Designer Spotlight: David Ambrose

For this weeks designer spotlight, we are featuring David Ambrose, designer behind Studio Darose. David is creating objects inspired by everyday life and experiences that exemplify the best uses of 3D printing including making products inspired by his life, and allowing shoppers to customize almost every product! Read more about his process below.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? Where are you located?
I have a wide education background, but fell in love with design and building. I am constantly reading, learning, and finding inspiration everywhere. I started my little company while living in Portland, Oregon, but am currently living in Orange County, California.

What’s the story behind your designs? What inspires you?
I love all types of building, but have recently fallen in love with what Shapeways has to offer with all the different materials and processes. My design inspiration comes from my every day life and from things I enjoy. I heard a lecture years ago that said to design for yourself and if you have good designs, then other people are bound to like them also. My current designs on Shapeways celebrate motherhood and marriage as my wife and child were inspiration. I also developed a deep love for Beer while living in Portland and started brewing my own. I couldn’t find a good Homebrew Bottle opener that I liked, so through Shapeways I was able to create my own.

What brought you to 3D printing with Shapeways?
One of my old Architecture Teachers, Jenny Wu, developed some Jewelry prototypes through Shapeways, and that inspired me to do the same. It’s great for people trying to start their own business or make some money on the side since there is virtually no startup costs besides your time and maybe some prototyping.

How did you learn how to design in 3D?
I largely taught myself to model in 3D over the years. I was never very good at drawing as a kid, but wanted to express my ideas that I could see in my mind. Through computer modeling, I could create the shapes and parts on how to build these things. I mainly use AutoCAD in my day job and to start my designs since I’m the fastest at that, but have dabbled with Solidworks, Rhino, Maya, and am currently trying to learn Blender.

How do you promote your work?
I currently promote my work through Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest) and word of mouth. Friends and Family that have seen what I have done have talked to others and I am slowly growing a fan base from that.

Who are your favorite designers or artists? Who in the Shapeways community has served as an inspiration to you?
I don’t really have one favorite designer or artist. I believe that everybody out there has something that they can teach me that will make me a better designer. Maybe you won’t like the piece as a whole, but one little connection detail might be brilliant. I feel like that’s the key to creative growth.

If you weren’t limited by current technologies, what would you want to make using 3D printing?
I don’t have any specific design in mind at the moment, but I’m interested to do something with interlocking metals and am excited to see how Shapeways develops that.

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS SHOP:

Great photography, showing context for use of products

So many Customizable models!

Sections for easy shopping

Nice branding and complete profile (shop description and reference to other social media pages)

Thanks so much, David! The shop is looking great and we’re thrilled to see that CustomMaker works so nicely with your products. Stay up to date with David’s products by following him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. To be featured, email aimee @ shapeways.com.